Sinn Féin MEP, Matt Carthy, has described this morning’s British proposal on a tariff regime in a no-deal Brexit scenario as the latest example of ‘game-playing’ on the part of Theresa May’s government.

He said:

“This tariff announcement is just the latest example of ‘game-playing’ on the part of the British government. Having spent the last two years claiming that there can be no difference in approach for the north of Ireland versus Britain, the British government have now proposed a tariff regime that does just that and acknowledges that there will be a need for special arrangements for the island of Ireland.

“The proposal that there would be no tariffs on goods moving from south to north is welcome but the devil will be in the detail. The Irish government must also maintain its stance that it will not impose new checks on the border.

“The British proposals will be of little comfort to many businesses, farmers & communities though.

“The suggestion of tariffs on Irish goods entering the British market is clearly a nightmare scenario, especially for vulnerable sectors such as the beef industry.

“It is now imperative the Irish Government, with the support of the EU, outline proposals for a comprehensive financial compensation scheme for those sectors impacted by such a scenario.

“This is yet another stark reminder that there is no good Brexit for any part of Ireland. We must collectively work on this island to prepare for the impact of a no deal Brexit; all options must be open for consideration, including the obvious mechanism to avoid a hard-border – allowing people to vote in a referendum on Irish unity.

“Sinn Féin’s focus is about protecting the all-island economy, citizens’ rights and the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin was the only party to launch a Brexit contingency plan.

“We called for a €2billion Brexit stabilization’s Fund to support farmers, exporters SMEs and investment in infrastructure. Irrespective of whatever Brexit comes we need the government to provide that fund.”